From festivals, charity events and plenty of wine and good eats, there’s plenty to fill your weekend. Start planning with our day-by-day guide to what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
Charlotte Ballet “Fall Works”
October 11 – 13 | Knight Theater
In Charlotte Ballet’s “Fall Works”, celebrate the work of Leonard Bernstein and Jerome Robbins, see choreography by Medhi Walerski and be the first to see a premiere of new work by Sasha James. Plus, there’s an option for a Saturday family matinee at 2 p.m. $25+.
Lost Hollow Music Fest Fall 2018
October 13 – 14 | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
This weekend, head to DSBG as the garden’s Hillside Theatre hosts a full line-up of live music performances from bluegrass, Americana and beyond. Plus, enjoy food trucks and adventuring around the garden. Admission is free for Garden members or included with general Garden admission.
Hamilton Live in Charlotte
Oct 10 – Nov 4 | Belk Theater
If you’ve been lucky enough to score tickets, get ready to enjoy the broadway hit Hamilton as they make a stop in Charlotte. You’ll explore the story of America’s founding father Alexander Hamilton through a blend of hip-hop, jazz, blues and classic broadway genres.
Grand Opening Weekend at Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Steele Creek
October 12 – 14 | 13835 South Lake Drive
Help welcome the newest location of Lucky Dog Bark & Brew with facility tours, food trucks, drink specials, giveaways and more. View all activities and vendors here.
THURSDAY
The Art of Fashion Fall Runway Report
Neiman Marcus Charlotte | 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Neiman Marcus Charlotte and The Mint Museum team up to bring you an exclusive look at the best in fall fashion. The Fall Runway Report will feature a runway presentation, sips, bites, beats and more. $50 per person. All proceeds benefit the Mint Music Annual Fund.
Tenuta Le Pupille Wine Dinner
AQUA e VINO | 7 – 10 p.m.
This six-course dinner features pairings from Tenuta le Pupille wines from Vino Vino. Preview the full menu here. $90 per person. Call 704.364.4445 to reserve your seat.
Chris Stapleton’s All American Road Show
PNC Music Pavilion | 7 p.m.
Chris Stapleton takes the stage this Thursday at PNC Music Pavilion. Grab a seat or bring a lawn chair to enjoy your favorites on an early fall evening.
Sushi, Sake & Manga
Assorted Table Wine Shoppe | 6 p.m.
Experience Japanese culture through education from a sake sommelier, sushi tastings by a Japanese chef and manga comics. $30 in advance, $35 at the door.
The Purpose for Pink: Karen Clark Sheard & Jekalyn Carr
Ovens Auditorium | 7 p.m.
The Purpose for Pink concert features performances by four-time Grammy recipient Karen Clark-Sheard, Jekalyn Carr and LeJuene Thompson . Proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Charlotte.
FRIDAY
Breast Cancer Cure Benefit Event
Napa on Providence | 6 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy complimentary appetizers, beer and wine at the sixth annual Breast Cancer Cure Benefit Event. Plus, enjoy live music by Gena Chambers and an appearance by New Orleans Saints safety Kurt Coleman. $30 donation. Call 704-900-8535 for tickets.
TEDxCharlotte 2018
Dale F. Halton Theater | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hear the brightest minds and ideas converge on stage at the 8th installment of TEDxCharlotte. Talks begin around 10 a.m., then attendees will break for lunch (included), before talks conclude around 3 p.m. $35+.
10th Anniversary Gala
Quail Hollow Club | 6 – 11 p.m.
The 11th annual B.R.A.K.E.S. Gala will include a night of dancing, live music by the band Caliente, food, drinks and more. The organization celebrates the lives of Jon and James Herbert and helps train teens on safe driving skills.
SATURDAY
Mint on the Dot!
Mint Museum Uptown and Randolph | 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
At both Mint Museum locations, enjoy two changes to join in on a 10-minute art chat in the galleries. Talks are given at 1 and 1:30 p.m.
Farm to Table Dinner
Wing Haven | 6 – 10 p.m.
Enjoy a Spanish-inspired family style menu crafted by Florida Chef Paul Schmidgall in the Wing Haven gardens. The evening also features a full bar, hors’ d’oeuvres, live music and an art auction featuring one-of-a-kind works by Christina Dowdy, SoL Gonzalez-Feliciano, Holly Graham, Greta Hord, Lindsay H. Jones, Trudi Norris and more.
CCM Pottery Festival
McAlpine Business Park | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The fall Carolina Clay Matters Pottery Festival will showcase handmade pottery, sculpture, garden art, home accessories and contemporary clay works by over 50 North and South Carolina’s artists. Free admission and free parking.
NovelWeen 2018
Novel NoDa | 4 – 8 p.m.
This year, NoDaWeen features live music by Captain Lunchbox, food trucks, breweries and more. Families can join in the fun with trick-or-treating around the community, ending with a costume contest and an outdoor screening of Hotel Transylvania.
3rd Annual Friends and Beerfest: Harvest Edition
Legion Brewing | 2 – 6 p.m.
Beer, friends and the first hint of fall weather. You’ll find all three at the third annual Friends and Beerfest. Enjoy new releases from Legion plus live music by The Clydes and The Mike Strauss Band, seasonal activities and a Queen City Makers market.
Talk of the Town
Town Brewing Company | 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Help welcome Town Brewing Co. to the neighborhood with a block party including a CrossFit boot camp class, a makers market, Yoga, live music, a taste of local FreeMoreWest restaurants and of course, great beer.
Grilled Cheese Festival 2018
Slate Charlotte | Noon – 6 p.m.
Celebrate the ultimate comfort food of your childhood with a grown-up grilled cheese festival. The day includes grilled cheese samples from local vendors, beverages, live music, games and raffles. $10+.
2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
BB&T Ballpark | 10 a.m.
Help support the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association by lacing up for a half mile, one mile or two mile route around Uptown Charlotte. Register online here.
Ayrsley Fall Fest
Piedmont Social House lawn | 11 – 4 p.m.
The Ayrsley Fall Fest features craft vendors, a farmers market live music, kids activities (including a petting zoo), local breweries and more. Free and open to the public.
Rescue Me 5K
McAlpine Creek Greenway Park | 9 a.m. – Noon
The fourth annual RescueMe 5K is the perfect way to enjoy the crisp morning and support the American Pit Bull Foundation’s Operation Sidekick program, which trains and provides rescued service dogs to veterans battling post traumatic stress disorder. After crossing the finish line, stick around for games, contests, food and beer, family activities and vendors.
2018 Charlotte VegFest
The Park Expo | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Charlotte VegFest is a celebration of all things vegan. Enjoy cooking demos, speakers, kids activities and vendors. The first 200 attendees will receive a free reusable bag filled with giveaways. Free to attend, $5 parking.
Halloween Pet Costume Pictures
Sycamore Brewing | 3 – 7 p.m.
Humans aren’t the only ones who can get in the Halloween spirit! Dress up your pup for pictures at Sycamore Brewing; donations will benefit Catering to Cats and Dogs.
Best Buddies Queen City Gala
The Terrace @ Cedar Hill | 6 p.m.
The Queen City Gala gives guests the chance to enjoy cocktails, fine dining, both a silent and live auction, dancing and more, all benefitting Best Buddies North Carolina. $250 per person.
Comedy Improv Musical Variety Extravaganza starring the Chuckleheads
Central Piedmont Community College | 8 p.m.
Get ready to spend your Saturday night laughing as Planet Improv celebrates their 11th anniversary with a show featuring The Chuckleheads. A portion of proceeds will benefit A Child’s Place, whose mission is to erase the impact of homelessness on Charlotte children and their education.
SUNDAY
2018 Biketoberfest
Lenny Boy Brewing Co. | 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Discover Charlotte by Bike during Sustain Charlotte’s fourth annual Biketoberfest presented by The Charlotte Knights. Pedal along a designated route and enjoy stops at fun destinations on the way. Fill your Biktoberfest passport to win raffle prizes at the after-party at Triple C Brewing Co.
OrderFire S4E2 Screening! FT. DrinkOrder w/ Savvas + Henry
Free Range Brewing | Noon – 3 p.m.
Be there for the screening of season four, episode two of OrderFire, as Bob Peters talks with Savvas Punsalan of the Backstage Lounge and Henry Schmulling of Merchant & Trade. Meet the participants, try cocktail samplings and support a raffle benefitting Hospitality House of Charlotte.
Go Jen Go Brewery Challenge
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Move through an Amazing Race-style course through six breweries while completing mental and physical challenges in this fun competition for a cause. Win or lose, all can enjoy an after party at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. All proceeds benefit the Go Jen Go Survivor Grants program which provides critical financial support to breast cancer patients in the Greater Charlotte area.
CLT Weenie Walk 1 Mile Charity Walk
McAlpine Creek Greenway Park | 1 – 4 p.m.
Chapman’s Dachshund Rescue and Carolina Poodle Rescue team up for this one-mile fundraising walk, which will support their mission to care for these animals as they enter the shelters. After the walk, enjoy a talent show, entertainment and vendor market.
Hit The Brixx 5k/10k
225 E 6th St. | 7:45 a.m.
While a personal record may be motivating enough for some, others need the promise of pasta, pizza and beer at the finish line. This race is for the latter group. Opt for the 5K, 10K or fun run, and enjoy a full buffet and a beer festival afterwards at the Hit the Brixx race. Participation supports the Kids Path pediatric care program of Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region.
